Archive for the ‘white trucks’ tag

Day Two of the Coker Challenge was especially tough on open cars.Photos courtesy of Coker Tire.

Publisher and Driver Jim Menneto and his co-pilot Mari Parizo participated in the Coker Challenge on September 17-20 along with 49 other cars from all around the U.S. and even one from Australia. After a strong showing at the end of Day One, Mother Nature refused to cooperate for the second leg, giving a distinct advantage to rally veterans more used to these conditions and closed car entries. According to both Jim and Mari, rain gear was ineffective against the torrential downpours and visibility and head set audio feeds were severely hampered. They were among 6 cars that were forced to pull over and take a time penalty while they waited for conditions to improve.

The Caldwell 1931 Auburn Speedster entryÂ soldiered on en route to a 7th overall finish for the 3-day event.

After a stellar 29 second finish on Day One, good for 10th place overall, the pullover penalty virtually sealed the fate of where the Hemmings Speedster would finish for the event,Â and ended Day Two off by 8 minutes plus the first days 29 seconds.

A better Day Three, trying to make up a little time going flat out.

The Hemmings team rebounded on Day Three with a solid 1 minute 9 seconds total for the day. After factoring the age of the vehicle. The final standing for the Hemmings Speedster was 6 minutes 2.88 seconds, good for 34th overall out of 49 cars. Although all teams did have the weather disadvantage, with a sunny Day Two, the teamÂ could have very well finished within the top 15 as their other two day’s finish times indicate. But, there is no planning for one of the biggest rainfalls in the Chattanooga area in over a year.

Some of the beautiful scenery around Chattanooga, TN

The Hemmings Rally team’s next event will be the NERC Pumpkin Rally from October 30 to November 1 in Millsboro, Delaware. More information is available at the NERC site www.northeastrallyclub.com. AdditionalÂ pictures and accounts of the Coker Challenge can also be viewed at Corky Coker’s blog site http://blog.coker.com/

Corky Coker’s 1936 White “Yellowstone Touring Bus” participated in a supporting role during the Coker Challenge.